Advanced scaffolds incorporating bacterial cellulose for improved 3D cell microenvironments

Date: Monday, 3 February 2025

Time: 11 AM

Venue: Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB, CSIC) - Sala d'Actes Carles Miravitlles

Abstract

This thesis explores the development of advanced scaffolds for 3D cell culture with the ultimate vision of contributing to enhancing the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in regenerative medicine. MSC-based therapies hold significant promise for diseases and disorders that have yet to be treated thanks to their anti-inflammatory and regenerative capabilities. However, clinical translation is hindered by some limitations related to their in vitro expansion. To overcome these challenges, cell priming, or preconditioning, has emerged as a promising strategy which consists in culturing cells in a 3D native-like microenvironment before transplantation. Biocompatible hydrogels, especially those derived from the extracellular matrix (ECM), are suitable scaffolds for 3D cell culture, as they provide a high degree of resemblance to the native cellular environments. Taking advantage of the bacterial cellulose’s (BC) fibrous and nanoscale structure similar to that of collagen, as well as its high purity, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility; this work produced hydrogels that mimic the ECM for 3D in vitro cell culture. Various scaffolds were explored based on a) native BC fibers, b) BC fibers functionalized with bioactive peptides that enhanced cell adhesion, and c) BC fibers combined with ECM-derived components from rat tail tendons or pig lungs, yielding 3D scaffolds that support cell growth and mimic the physico-chemical properties of native tissues. Additionally, MSC priming within these physiomimetic environments was evaluated by studying key cell characteristics, such as morphology, traction forces, and motility, which are critical for effective therapeutic actions. The findings indicate that BC-based scaffolds, particularly in combination with ECM components, create a suitable microenvironment for MSC priming, influencing cell migratory behavior. This work highlights the potential of BC in developing tailorable 3D cell-laden scaffolds to advance the field of 3D cell culture and regenerative medicine.

Supervisors

• Anna Laromaine
• Anna Roig
• Jorge Otero

PhD Comitte

• President: Manuel Salmeron Sánchez, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
• Secretary: Cristina Castells Sala, Banc de Sang i Teixits, Spain
• Vocal: Carla Andreia Cunha Vilela, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Portugal

University: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)

PhD Programme: Material Science